Islam’s View Of Mary

In the Qur’an Mary is alone when she gives birth, and carrying the child she came to her people who said to her, “Mary, this is indeed a strange thing.”

In Islam, Jesus is considered a prophet. His mother, Mary is also revered with a chapter in the Qur’an devoted to her. Some believe that after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Mary was taken to the city of Ephesus, in what is now Turkey. Because of this, as well as the travels and writings of the apostle, Ephesus became an important place in early Christendom. A small stone structure called the “House of Mary” stands in Ephesus. Both Christians and Muslims, believe it is the place where Mary lived while in the city. Cigdem Balim finds herself drawn there year after year. She tells her story about her visit to the “House of Mary.”

“I’m in Turkey by the agency. I’m driving to the top of the nightingale mountain. Taking the same route as the Pope did in 2006. As the sun sets I see the house of Virgin Mary, overlooking a valley of green, densely wooded hillsides. The best time to go to Virgin Mary’s house is in late afternoon, when others are leaving. Only then it is quiet. And you can hear the nightingales. This is my annual pilgrimage.

At the end of 19th century the visions of a German nun led Catholics to this building. It is about 20 feet across, has three rooms and the lower section of the stone work, date back to Roman times.

Tourists busses are leaving as I arrive. Every day hundreds of people of all faiths visit the tiny chapel and its grounds. I peak inside the chapel. A Muslim woman is kneeling on her rug. Her face turned to Mecca. Saint Mary, her statute is watching her.

I wonder how many people know that the mother of Jesus is recognized in the Qur’an. In fact the Qur’an has a whole chapter titled Mary. And there the Immaculate Conception and the virginal birth of Jesus is described.

In the Qur’an Mary is alone when she gives birth, and carrying the child she came to her people who said to her, “Mary, this is indeed a strange thing.” And they do not stop there, but continue with their abuse. Then Mary made a sign to them pointing to the child. But they replied, “How can we speak with a babe in the cradle?” Whereupon the babe spoke and said, “I am the servant of God. He has given me and ordained me a prophet. His blessing is upon me wherever I go. Blessed was I on the day I was born and blessed I shall be on the day of my death and on the day I shall be raised alive.”

Indeed the birth of Jesus is an occasion that Muslims and Christians can celebrate together.
I go out. Sit on the long wall facing the chapel and the woods behind it. I open my hands in quiet prayer. Then I ask her to look over my children. Mary understands. She’s a mother. Merry Christmas.”

You know, I was trying to figure from your article whether you are Christian or Muslim. There were many contradictions in your statements that would confuse me. Stating that Christmas was something the muslims and christians could celebrate together was one. Then, you said you "open your hands in prayer", and ask Mary (as) to look over your children....."Merry Christmas.' I may have assumed the wrong conclusion. Would you care to specify? Thank you.

Celebrating birthdays was a pagan way of trying to ward off bad spirits. The early Christians never even celebrated Jesus's (as) birthday at all. So to continue to carry on this pagan celebration in the name of "greatfulness" is ridiculous.

Michelle

Does the real date of Jesus birthdate matter when we should be greatful for the event every day yes but we can have a great celebration date once a year in commeration of his birh? So i feel lets set a day aside to prepare a feast if I happens to be on Dec 25th so be it! Now at least I can prepare for the event that refreshes Christs birth in my mind!

Androidea

um,yeah,i love Jesus as well i love Muhammad,the problem is did the birth of jesus is really 25 dec?